GCC urges Iraq to withdraw maritime coordinates filed with UN
Shafaq News- Al-Riyadh
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Al-Budaiwi, on Monday called on Iraq to withdraw a list of maritime coordinates and a map it recently lodged with the United Nations, saying the submission includes “claims” affecting Kuwait’s sovereignty.
In a statement, Al-Budaiwi emphasized that the request stems from infringements on Kuwait’s sovereignty over its maritime areas and water elevations, including Fasht Al-Qaid and Fasht Al-Aij.
He underscored the importance of restoring the rules and principles of international law, and the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and bilateral memoranda of understanding concluded between Iraq and Kuwait when addressing such issues and matters.
Al-Budaiwi reiterated the position outlined in the final communiqué of the GCC Supreme Council’s 46th session, which affirmed its “steadfast positions and previous resolutions regarding Iraq’s respect for Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Noting that the GCC and Iraq are bound by deep-rooted historical relations based on mutual respect and good neighborliness, he noted, “such claims do not contribute to strengthening cooperation and bilateral relations between the two sides.”
معالي الأمين العام لمجلس التعاون @jasemalbudaiwi ، يدعو جمهورية العراق إلى سحب قائمة الإحداثيات والخارطة المودعة لدى الأمم المتحدة، لما تضمنته تلك الاحداثيات والخارطة من مساس بسيادة دولة الكويت على مناطقها البحرية ومرتفعاتها المائية، بما في ذلك فشت القيد وفشت العيج .… pic.twitter.com/o7PvIEU6jh
— مجلس التعاون (@GCCSG) February 23, 2026
Days earlier, Iraq deposited a complete map of its maritime zones with precise coordinates at the United Nations. The move aims to reinforce Iraq’s maritime rights and strengthen its negotiating position in matters related to maritime boundaries, Farhan Al-Fartousi, Director General of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, told Shafaq News.
Iraq’s Foreign Ministry stated the deposit was based on Iraqi laws, decisions, and official statements related to Iraq’s rights and jurisdictions, noting that defining maritime zones in accordance with UNCLOS is a sovereign matter in which no state has the right to interfere.
In the latest supportive position for Kuwait, Jordan announced its backing of Kuwait regarding maritime border demarcation with Iraq and called for dialogue to resolve disputes.
Reactions across Gulf states emerged, with calls to contain the repercussions of the move and address the issue through diplomatic frameworks and official channels.
Read more: Khor Abdullah: A waterway entangled in sovereignty disputes and legacy of invasion
